Dignity shifts us from separation and self-centered actions to feelings of connectedness, consideration and compassion for all life. This is groundwork for a transformative process within individuals and communities.

TOP: In Guatemala a shaman begins a peace and reconciliation ceremony by blowing a conch shell atop a

its citizens. The basis of a society that fosters dignity is one that expresses respect for children, the land, and the sacred. When these three are seen as the promise of quality existence, other aspects of society can grow and blossom.

To live in dignity is to stand up for the rights of all members of society; to stand up for the rights of the disadvantaged, for those too young to speak, for those who can speak but are not listened to until age is no longer a qualification of wisdom; to stand up for the aged who have been cast out, and include them in the integrity of the human society.

TOP: Jabu Khanyile, a South African musician, comforts a child at an ICRC surgical hospital in Northern Kenya on the border with South Sudan. Lokichokio, Kenya 1996

MIDDLE: In Angola, a village waits patiently for the trucks from an ICRC convoy of food relief to be unloaded. Huambo, Angola 1995.

The Children’s Dignity Project film is a wake-up call to the nation. It is designed to alter forever how we view children. Aired on ABC this two-hour prime-time special explores the nature and experience of childhood by probing issues crucial to us all—family, community, moral values, spirituality, and self expression. About Us, moderated by Oprah Winfrey, is a tapestry of dramatic film, realistic documentary images, and animation, creating a mood that engages the heart, mind and imagination. It conveys the wondrous and precarious journey of childhood and reacquaints the viewer with this delicate and formative time. The film is designed to present the true voice of children—the voice that questions, that speaks their fears, joys and hopes.

Produced by Fred Berner Films, New York. Fred Berner has

produced both Hollywood and independent films, including

Vanya on 42nd Street (directed by Louis Malle); The Ballad of

Little Jo; Lakota Woman; Pollock; Hidden in America; The

Great White Hype; Law and Order.

About Us: The Dignity of Children was made possible by a

generous commitment from Capital Cities/ABC, giving it the

promotion and visibility necessary to reach the largest possible

audience. The film received an Emmy nomination and

the prestigious President's Award, in recognition of its

excellence.

TOP: Boys play in freshwater being released from a tanker truck that got stuck in wet sand in Burundi, 1995.

The Education Campaign promotes the recognition of the universal needs of children and fosters the development of dignity through training and education for youth and child advocates.

Designed for symposia, study and training programs, and community outreach, the campaign provides a variety of opportunities for exploration and discovery of self and one's relationship to others and the earth.

Institute in the mountains of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Years of research resulted in the development of The Dignity Project, a unique program for child advocates with an emphasis on self awareness.

Contributions and projects include:

Moderator of the 1997 Peace Summit on Children’s Rights in Vienna, Austria.

Board of Counselors of the CIVITAS Initiative, providing scholarships and interdisciplinary education in child abuse at Chicago Loyola Law School, Baylor College of Medicine, and University of Michigan School of Social Work.

Executive producer of the award-winning ABC network special, About Us: The Dignity of Children, with video sales in three languages.

Author of The Dignity of Children, identifying the universal needs of children.

Debra is a consultant on an individual basis and in the

fields of medicine, science, business, and finance,

providing insight and perspective for planning and

development; identifying the layers and patterns within

personal and professional relationships and endeavors;

augmenting objective points of view; providing

necessary components for understanding, moving

forward, or changing direction; offering consideration of

sequence, variables, context, and imperatives, desire,

and vision.

Clients include:

Stanford Research Institute, MIT, The Institute of Noetic

Sciences, World Business Academy, Naturaceutical

Dispensing, Farm from a Box, The Capital Group,

national and international corporations and government

officials.

Paul Grabhorn

Paul Grabhorn is a photographer and communications

producer. He has served three White House

administrations, producing communication materials for

their environmental and sustainable development

initiatives. He participated in International Committee

of the Red Cross missions (ICRC) photographing

in Somalia, Bosnia, Angola, South Sudan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Chechnya, and many other countries.